Answer to Question #156892 in General Chemistry for Alfie Ball

Question

One method of extracting zinc involves the reaction of zinc oxide with carbon. Explain, both in terms of oxygen and electrons, why this extraction is involves reduction.

Answer 1

Zinc oxide loses oxygen. It is reduced. Carbon gains oxygen. It is oxidised.

Carbon acts as a reducing agent. Carbon has displaced the metal from the oxide.

The carbon monoxide is oxidised further to produce the less harmful carbon dioxide, CO₂.